Three Ph.D. students recently visited Madera Community College to share research findings and highlight opportunities available to transfer students at UC Merced.
Emily Rivera Mondragon, a second-year environmental systems Ph.D. student, joined sociology graduate students Justin Barnes and Eliana Fonsah to present survey results from a project led by Professor Paul Almeida. The research explored community opinions about the high-speed rail project planned in Merced.
During the visit, they shared information with a group of about 40 students and discussed the kinds of insights that research can generate.
“Events like this are important because they give us the opportunity to share with people what it is like to study at UC Merced, what daily life is like, and all the opportunities they have to start their path at an important university like UC Merced,” Rivera Mondragon said. “We can also provide information about how research is conducted and the kinds of results that can be achieved.”
Almeida added that the group showcased the new Promise Housing residence hall under construction, which will provide dedicated housing at UC Merced for transfer students.
“Sharing work that was completed in collaboration with UC Merced undergraduate students not only offered these students confidence and encouragement to pursue their academic goals but also demonstrated how UC Merced can be a welcoming and supportive environment for their studies in future,” Fonsah said. “Initiatives like this are vital for showcasing UC Merced’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to grow academically, connect and impact communities and so much more.”
The group has been invited to visit two other community colleges next spring.
